Being a therapist is both emotionally and logistically challenging. We sit and hold other people's pain, but we often struggle to know where to place our own.

Many therapists sacrifice their own mental health for their careers. Or they might "give it their all" with clients, but their own life feels messier than they'd like. As a therapist for therapists, I understand the unique struggles therapist face in their professional and personal lives.

Benefits of Going to Therapy as a Therapist

As a therapist or therapist-in-training, you already know the numerous benefits of seeking professional support. On some level, you ideally believe therapy works, or you wouldn't be working in this field!

That said, many mental health professionals often avoid personal therapy themselves. Time, cost, and fear of being judged represent real barriers therapists face when trying to seek help. However, having your own therapist can be integral to your emotional well-being.

If you're seeking therapy for yourself, we may be a good fit if you are:

Noticing Signs of Burnout or Compassion Fatigue

Burnout is one of the leading reasons people leave the field. The effects are often insidious, but as they evolve, they can cause you to feel extreme distress or apathy.

There isn't a simple solution for burnout. In some cases, you need to implement more self-care and self-compassion. But in other cases, the work might focus on changing your external circumstances. We'll unpack what's going on and explore how you can feel more connected and rejuvenated by your work.

Imposter Syndrome

It’s no secret that many therapists struggle with imposter syndrome, but how do you actually cope with feeling inadequate or insecure? Better yet, how can you ensure you’re taking care of yourself regardless of these worries?

Therapy for imposter syndrome often focuses on exploring the factors causing you to feel this way. It also entails practicing more self-compassion and harnessing more confidence for your work.

Struggling with Countertransference

Countertransference is an inevitable part of our work.

Some clients or therapy sessions trigger immense emotional reactions. They bring up unresolved issues or make us question our competence. Sometimes they even expose our blind spots and uncover issues we need to address in our own personal lives.

If countertransference is affecting you profoundly, working with a personal therapist can help. Together, we’ll process your emotions and connect how current client issues might highlight patterns in your own life worth addressing. 

Desiring to Strengthen Your Self-Awareness

Who are you as a person, and who are you as a therapist?

These are abstract questions, but many clients find themselves working with me because they want to ground themselves into a deeper sense of self. Of course, who you are is always evolving. Different life circumstances shape your needs and values.

But if you want to enhance your insight, therapy can offer a valuable space to explore your needs, identity, and values. 

Experiencing Non-Therapy Related Issues

The reality is that therapists aren't exempt from mental health issues or life stress. Just because you work in this field doesn't grant you immunity from the perils of being human.

In addition to therapy for therapists, I also specialize in:

• relationship trauma

• couples therapy

• executive stress

• working with new dads and parenting

If you're a therapist experiencing any of those issues, you may find it beneficial to work with someone who knows how to "work with therapists."

I respect that you want deeper depth and introspection. In that, I aim to balance honoring that you have insider knowledge about what this field takes without ever treating our relationship as the place to 'talk shop.'

Are We The Right Fit?

Maybe! I work with all types of mental health professionals, including therapists, social workers, and psychologists. I also work with graduate students about to enter the field.

Many of my clients have been in therapy before, so working with me isn't their first rodeo. That's a good thing. I love when people have had a chance to understand how therapy works. If we work together, you can expect some of the following principles embedded in the process:

Attachment-focused work: As an attachment-focused therapist, I strongly believe in the therapeutic relationship. Safety is always a top priority. This type of therapy also gives you perspective into what it means to be vulnerable and honest in your own work. The experience of being on the 'other side of the couch' often find that this helps them be more empathic to their clients.

A balance of support with impact: People often come to me if other therapies felt too "safe" or "stagnant." While respect is the cornerstone of what I do, I also prioritize impact. My goal is for you to leave with something to think about after every therapy session.

A deep understanding of the rigor and flexibility of this career: Before working in private practice, I spent 10+ years working in various community mental health, school, residential, and substance use facilities. In addition, I have also worked as an adjunct faculty, supervisor, and clinical consultant. I believe these experiences have given me invaluable perspective and they can help me relate to most of my clients in various phases of their career.

Therapy for Therapists in California

As a seasoned therapist, I believe that our efforts and growth in therapy can be one of the best assets to help our clients. In addition, personal therapy can help you address work-related stress, improve issues in your personal life, and strengthen your self-knowledge.

It's a gift to both you and your clients to take care of your own needs and improve your emotional well-being. Therapists who engage in personal therapy often find their careers to be significantly more meaningful.

If you think we might be a good fit, I look forward to hearing from you. I offer complimentary consultations, and you can contact me here to learn more about my therapy process. If you are looking for clinical supervision, learn more about my services here.

I reserve a few sliding scale slots for graduate students and new associates. Please contact me to inquire about my availability.